FAQs

PEAK Mastery is designed around personalized learning, mastery-based progression, real-world application, and strong teacher-student relationships. Students move forward when they truly understand concepts, rather than strictly based on time or grade-level pacing. The model also includes project-based learning, reflection, mentorship, movement, and flexible learning opportunities.

Yes. PEAK Mastery is a proposed tuition-free public charter school in Cache Valley. In September 2026, PEAK Mastery passed the proposal stage of the Utah charter authorization process and was invited to move forward with the full charter application.

Read updates on the process here.

No. As a public charter school, PEAK Mastery is intended to be tuition-free for families.

If approved, PEAK Mastery is projected to open in Fall 2028 as a K–7 school initially, with the intent to eventually expand through high school by 2033.

A final location has not yet been determined. Because the school is still in the approval process, the team is waiting to move forward with a lease or land purchase until approval is received. The goal is to find a location that is as central and accessible to families as possible.

Mastery-based learning means students work toward clearly defined skills and knowledge, called competencies, and demonstrate what they understand before a competency is considered complete.

Students build mastery through instruction, practice, feedback, discussion, projects, and other learning experiences. Evidence of mastery can include assessments, written work, projects, performance tasks, portfolio work, and competency demonstrations. Teachers use this evidence to understand each student’s progress and determine when mastery has been demonstrated.

Students who need additional time receive more instruction, practice, feedback, or intervention while continuing to participate in grade-level learning. Students who are ready for greater challenge can move into deeper or more advanced work.

Yes. PEAK Mastery is aligned with the Utah Core Standards while focusing on deeper understanding, retention, and real-world application of learning.

Personalized learning begins with understanding what each student knows, what they are working toward, and what support or challenge they need next. Students work toward clear, Utah Core-aligned academic expectations, while instruction, practice, intervention, enrichment, and opportunities for deeper learning respond to their readiness and progress.

Students also learn to understand and take increasing ownership of their own learning. Through goal setting, reflection, competency tracking, portfolios, and coaching, students become more aware of what they know, where they are growing, what they still need to work on, and what steps they can take next.

Coaches help students see that bigger picture and gradually build greater independence and responsibility. Foundations teachers provide targeted literacy and mathematics instruction, while Wonder Workshop teachers help students connect and apply learning through interdisciplinary projects and real-world experiences. Together, these educators support the student from different perspectives while working toward shared goals.

Literacy is woven throughout the PEAK Mastery learning experience. Students build strong foundations in reading and writing through targeted instruction and regular practice, then use those skills across Reading Adventures, Socratic discussions, Wonder Workshops, projects, and other learning experiences.

Reading Adventures invite students into engaging texts, meaningful conversations, and creative responses that strengthen comprehension, communication, critical thinking, and a love of reading. Socratic discussions give students practice listening closely, asking thoughtful questions, explaining their thinking, and using evidence to support their ideas. Wonder Workshops bring subjects together, giving students opportunities to use reading, writing, research, discussion, and communication as part of interdisciplinary projects and real-world learning.

For younger students, foundational literacy instruction builds essential skills such as phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing so students have the tools they need to participate confidently in these richer literacy experiences.

Wonder Workshops are interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences where students use academic skills to explore meaningful questions, investigate ideas, create, solve problems, and apply what they are learning.

A Wonder Workshop can bring together science, social studies, literacy, math, art, research, discussion, and hands-on learning around a shared topic or question. Depending on the project and students' ages, learning may also extend into fieldwork, service learning, guest experts, community partnerships, or other real-world experiences.

Wonder Workshops work alongside foundational instruction. Students build essential knowledge and skills through focused teaching, then have opportunities to connect and apply that learning in meaningful contexts.

Academic rigor at PEAK Mastery begins with clear competencies aligned to the Utah Core Standards. Students are expected to build strong foundational knowledge, demonstrate mastery, explain their thinking, revise their work, and apply what they learn in increasingly complex contexts.

Teachers monitor progress using multiple forms of evidence, including assessments, student work, projects, performance tasks, portfolios, competency demonstrations, and educator observations. Students who need additional support receive targeted instruction and intervention, while students who demonstrate readiness can move into enrichment, acceleration, or deeper learning.

Students would still have portfolios, transcripts, grades, graduation requirements, and academic documentation expected by colleges. In addition to academics, the school aims to help students develop communication, critical thinking, collaboration, initiative, and real-world problem-solving skills through discussions, presentations, projects, internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning experiences.

A PEAK Mastery school day combines focused academics with WIN time, movement, coaching, discussion, collaboration, and opportunities to apply learning.

Depending on a student's pathway, age, and schedule, an on-site day may include Foundations instruction in literacy and math, coaching or independent study, Wonder Workshops, Reading Adventures, electives, Community Wellness and Leadership, Lunch & Life Skills, outdoor time, reflection, and community-building.

The rhythm looks different between the 4-Day and 2-Day On-Site Pathways because the pathways distribute on-site and Extended Learning Experiences differently throughout the week.

WIN stands for “What I Need.” It is flexible time that gives students access to the instruction, support, practice, coaching, or additional challenge that best supports their learning at that point in time.

A student might use WIN Time for additional literacy or math instruction, targeted practice, intervention, help with a current competency, coaching, or an opportunity to extend their learning. What a student needs can change over time, so WIN Time gives educators another way to respond to students as individuals while keeping them connected to their learning goals.

PEAK Mastery offers two learning pathways within the same academic model, giving families different levels of on-site learning and schedule flexibility.

The 4-Day On-Site Pathway includes four days of scheduled on-site instruction and one day of Extended Learning Experiences each week. 

The 2-Day On-Site Pathway includes two days of scheduled on-site instruction and three days of Extended Learning Experiences.

Both pathways follow the same Utah Core-aligned competencies, mastery expectations, assessment systems, progress monitoring, and school accountability requirements. Coaches remain responsible for student progress, assessment, intervention, competency verification, and documentation of learning in both pathways.

Families in the 2-Day On-Site Pathway take an active role in facilitating off-site learning using school-approved foundational literacy and mathematics curriculum pathways and guidance from PEAK Mastery educators.

PEAK Mastery educators continue to oversee student learning, monitor progress, assess competencies, provide feedback, coordinate intervention, and verify mastery. Families support engagement, practice, accountability, reflection, and communication with the student's coach.

Families will also receive guidance, resources, training, and ongoing communication to help them understand learning expectations and support their student's success.

Extended Learning Experiences give students structured opportunities to continue learning beyond their regular on-site schedule while staying connected to their learning goals, coach, and competency progress.

ELEs can take three forms: Personalized Learning Experiences, such as independent study, intervention, portfolio work, competency practice, or passion projects; On-Site Support & Enrichment Experiences, including small-group instruction, intervention, enrichment, project work, and coaching; and Field Work & Community Learning Experiences, which can include field studies, service learning, mentorships, community partnerships, authentic projects, and exhibitions.

The experience a student participates in can vary based on learning goals, instructional needs, coach recommendations, and available opportunities.

Every student is paired with a licensed educator who serves as their coach and teacher of record. Coaches are intended to remain with students for up to three years, creating continuity as they come to know each student's strengths, needs, progress, goals, and family.

Coaches develop personalized learning plans, monitor progress, assess competencies, coordinate interventions, communicate with families, help students set goals and reflect on their learning, and connect students with appropriate learning opportunities.

The coach helps keep the different parts of a student's PEAK Mastery experience connected so the student has a consistent adult who understands the whole picture of their learning.

Teachers and coaches regularly review student progress so they can identify when a student needs additional support. That support may include reteaching, targeted small-group instruction, intervention, increased progress monitoring, adjusted learning plans, additional practice, or specialized services based on the student's needs.

Students can continue working on prerequisite skills while remaining connected to grade-level learning. Progress is reviewed over time so educators can adjust support as the student grows.

Extended Learning Experiences can also provide additional opportunities for intervention, academic support, coaching, or personalized learning when appropriate.

PEAK Mastery's school day includes a mix of focused academic instruction, movement, outdoor time, discussion, collaboration, independent work, and hands-on learning.

Community Wellness and Leadership builds movement and wellbeing into the school rhythm, while Wonder Workshops and Extended Learning Experiences create additional opportunities for active, experiential, outdoor, and community-connected learning.

Mixed-age learning communities give students opportunities to build relationships across ages, learn from one another, practice leadership, and experience greater continuity within their school community.

Mixed-age community does not mean every subject is taught to every age together. PEAK also uses grade-level learning experiences, targeted small-group instruction, and flexible groupings so students receive instruction appropriate to the academic skills and standards they are working toward.

The goal is to keep required homework minimal, especially for younger students. PEAK Mastery believes children benefit from time for family, play, creativity, reading, and real-world experiences outside of school. Some long-term projects, independent goals, or passion-based work may occasionally extend beyond school hours.

The school intentionally incorporates journaling, reflection, discussion, mentorship, movement, and relationship-building into the daily rhythm of learning. Students are supported in developing communication skills, self-awareness, confidence, empathy, and healthy conflict resolution skills.

Students learn with a consistent team of educators who serve different roles throughout their day, including coaches, Foundations teachers, Wonder Workshop teachers, and other support staff.

The coaching model adds continuity to those relationships. Coaches are intended to remain with students for up to three years, giving them time to understand each student's academic progress, strengths, goals, challenges, and growth. Mixed-age learning communities, regular check-ins, reflection, student-led conferences, and family communication provide additional opportunities to strengthen those connections.

Families receive an ongoing picture of their child's progress through regular communication with their coach. The coach serves as a consistent point of connection between the student, family, Foundations teachers, Wonder Workshop teachers, specialists, learning evidence, and additional supports. They monitor the student's overall progress and help make sure the people supporting that student understand how they are doing and what they need next.

PEAK Mastery uses multiple forms of evidence to understand student progress, including competency progress, assessments, student work, projects, portfolios, educator observations, reflection, and other demonstrations of learning. Coaches regularly review this information to identify growth, areas that need additional support, and opportunities for greater challenge.

Students are part of that conversation too. They reflect on their learning, set goals, review evidence of their progress, and build increasing ownership of their education. Progress is also formally reviewed through Learning Unit check-ins and conferences, portfolio reviews, and student-led family conferences.

The school is designed so students interact with multiple trusted adults throughout the day, including coaches, workshop teachers, elective teachers, and support staff. If concerns arise, the goal is to work collaboratively with families and staff to determine what adjustments or support may help.

PEAK Mastery is designed for a community of learners with different strengths, needs, interests, challenges, and ways of learning. Our mastery-based model gives students time and support to continue developing skills, while personalized instruction helps educators respond to what an individual student needs to move forward.

Support is woven throughout the PEAK Mastery experience. Flexible instructional groups, targeted small-group instruction, reteaching, scaffolding, executive functioning support, intervention, accommodations, specialized services, and additional time or practice can be used based on a student's individual needs. A student may continue strengthening prerequisite skills while still participating in grade-level learning, Wonder Workshops, Reading Adventures, community experiences, and the broader life of the school.

Coaches help connect that support across the student's team by communicating with families and collaborating with Foundations teachers, Wonder Workshop teachers, specialists, special education professionals, and other service providers. Students with IEPs and 504 Plans receive the individualized services and accommodations they need while remaining connected to PEAK's mastery-based, expeditionary learning model.

PEAK Mastery holds high expectations for every learner while recognizing that students may need different supports, approaches, or amounts of time to reach them. Our goal is for every student to experience challenge, belonging, meaningful progress, and opportunities to apply what they are learning in real life.

The school is looking for educators who care deeply about children, value strong relationships, support individualized learning, and are excited about meaningful, real-world education. The school also hopes to provide intentional training and support for teachers within this learning model.

PEAK Mastery prioritizes the development of strong foundational skills, independent thinking, creativity, communication, and problem-solving. Students need regular opportunities to read, write, calculate, discuss, create, navigate, investigate, and work through challenging problems using their own developing knowledge and abilities.

Technology is used intentionally when it provides meaningful educational value. PEAK Mastery also values books, handwriting, paper-based work, face-to-face discussion, hands-on learning, movement, outdoor experiences, fieldwork, and other forms of learning that allow students to engage directly with ideas, people, materials, and the world around them.

Artificial intelligence will be approached cautiously. PEAK Mastery is developing its AI policies as part of the school's broader instructional and technology planning, with particular attention to protecting the thinking, writing, creativity, and problem-solving students need to develop for themselves.

As technology continues to change, PEAK Mastery will evaluate new tools according to a simple educational question: Does this help students develop the knowledge, skills, judgment, and independence we want them to carry into the world?

PEAK Mastery is committed to creating a learning environment where students can focus on their work, relationships, conversations, and experiences without the constant distraction of personal devices.

In accordance with Utah law, student use of cell phones, smart watches, and other covered personal electronic devices will be restricted during the school day. PEAK Mastery is developing its detailed device policy as part of the full charter and school policy process, including appropriate procedures for emergencies, health needs, accommodations, and other circumstances.

Families will receive clear expectations and procedures before the school opens, including how parents can reach their child when needed during the school day.

Student safety is a foundational responsibility at PEAK Mastery. The school will maintain comprehensive safety and emergency procedures that address prevention, preparedness, communication, response, and recovery.

In accordance with Utah school safety requirements, PEAK Mastery will designate trained school safety personnel, including a School Safety and Security Specialist responsible for overseeing campus safety practices and coordinating with school leadership, staff, local law enforcement, emergency responders, and other safety professionals. PEAK Mastery will also complete required safety assessments and use those findings to determine the appropriate campus security personnel and procedures for the school.

Safety planning will include emergency response protocols, required drills and training, campus access and security procedures, threat assessment and prevention, student and staff safety education, and clear family communication procedures. PEAK Mastery will coordinate its plans with the appropriate state, county, and local safety and law-enforcement partners.

As PEAK Mastery's facility and detailed safety plan are finalized, families will receive clear information about campus security, arrival and dismissal procedures, emergency communication, visitor access, and other day-to-day safety practices.

Official enrollment is not currently open. PEAK Mastery is a proposed public charter school and is currently moving through Utah's charter application process.

Families who are seriously considering PEAK Mastery can complete our Enrollment Intent Form. This helps PEAK Mastery estimate anticipated enrollment, understand family interest in the school, and make more informed decisions as we develop the full charter application and financial plans.

Completing the Enrollment Intent Form does not enroll your child, reserve a seat, guarantee admission, or provide preference in a future enrollment process.

Complete the Enrollment Intent Form

The Interest Survey helps PEAK Mastery understand broader community needs, preferences, and interest in the proposed school.

The Enrollment Intent Form is for families who have learned about PEAK Mastery and are seriously considering enrolling one or more children when official enrollment becomes available. It gives PEAK Mastery a clearer picture of anticipated enrollment demand for planning purposes.

Families are welcome to complete both. Neither form constitutes enrollment, reserves a seat, guarantees admission, or provides preference in a future enrollment process.

Complete the Enrollment Intent Form

Official enrollment will open later in the charter authorization and school development process. PEAK Mastery will share enrollment dates, eligibility information, application instructions, and other important details as they become available.

Families who are seriously considering enrolling one or more children can complete the Enrollment Intent Form now. This helps PEAK Mastery better understand anticipated enrollment demand and plan for grade levels, pathways, staffing, facilities, and the financial needs of the proposed school.

For general news and updates about PEAK Mastery, families and community members can also join our email newsletter using the signup form in the website footer.

No. Interest surveys and Enrollment Intent Forms help PEAK Mastery understand community interest and anticipated enrollment demand. They do not constitute official enrollment, reserve a seat, guarantee admission, or provide preference during a future enrollment process.

When official enrollment opens, PEAK Mastery will follow the enrollment requirements that apply to Utah public charter schools and communicate the process clearly to families.

PEAK Mastery is currently planning to open with grades K–7, with the possibility of including 8th grade in the opening year as planning continues.

After opening, PEAK Mastery plans to add one grade level each year until serving students in grades K–12. This gradual growth allows the school community and programs to develop alongside students as they advance through the grades.

Final opening grade levels and enrollment capacity will be determined through the charter authorization, facility, staffing, and enrollment planning process.

Families who are seriously considering PEAK Mastery for a child in the planned opening grades are encouraged to complete the Enrollment Intent Form. This information helps PEAK Mastery understand anticipated demand by grade level and plan responsibly for opening.

Complete the Enrollment Intent Form

Yes. Families considering PEAK Mastery for multiple children can include each prospective student on the Enrollment Intent Form. Knowing the number and grade levels of children a family may enroll helps PEAK Mastery develop more accurate enrollment and financial projections.

Community support is an important part of PEAK Mastery's charter application. Families, educators, community members, businesses, and local organizations can submit a short letter explaining why they support PEAK Mastery or why they believe this proposed school would be valuable to students and families in Cache Valley.

Your letter does not need to be formal or lengthy. A few thoughtful sentences in your own words can help demonstrate genuine community support for the proposed school.

With your permission, your response may be included with PEAK Mastery's charter application and related authorization materials.

Write a Letter of Support

Anyone who sees value in bringing PEAK Mastery to Cache Valley can share their support. This may include prospective families, educators, students and alumni of other educational programs, community members, local professionals, businesses, organizations, and others who believe families would benefit from this additional public-school choice.

You do not need to have a child you plan to enroll in order to write a letter of support.

Community connections are an important part of PEAK Mastery's vision for real-world learning. We are beginning to build relationships with local businesses, organizations, educators, professionals, tradespeople, artists, service providers, and other community resources that could enrich learning for future students.

A connection could eventually grow into fieldwork, a guest visit, mentorship, career exploration, service learning, a student project, access to expertise or resources, or another opportunity we have not thought of yet.

You do not need to arrive with a fully developed partnership proposal. If you see a possible connection between your work, organization, experience, or resources and PEAK Mastery, tell us a little about it and we can begin the conversation from there.

Connect with PEAK Mastery

Absolutely! Community-connected learning can draw on individual people as well as organizations. Educators, professionals, tradespeople, artists, craftspeople, scientists, healthcare workers, farmers, engineers, outdoor experts, retirees, college students, parents, and others may have knowledge, experiences, skills, or connections that could enrich student learning.

If you see a possible connection, we would love to hear from you.

Share a Community Connection